Pep Guardiola has admitted he’s got NO IDEA when Erling Haaland will be back, as the Norwegian goal machine races against time to feature in a season defining week for Manchester City .
Haaland missed Saturday’s win at Leeds after picking up a knock in training on Thursday . Nothing major, apparently. But major enough to keep him out of a Premier League trip to Elland Road.
Now City face THREE crunch games in EIGHT days across THREE competitions and their main man is a major doubt for all of them.
THE FIXTURE NIGHTMARE
Here’s what’s coming for the champions:
Wednesday: Nottingham Forest (H) Premier League
Saturday: Newcastle (A) FA Cup fifth round
Tuesday week: Real Madrid (A) Champions League last 16 first leg
Three competitions. Three massive tests. And potentially no Haaland for any of them.
“I don’t have an answer right now,” Guardiola admitted after the Leeds game. “He was not ready for today, but we have four days before Nottingham Forest.”
That’s the best case scenario, Haaland back for Forest on Wednesday. But even if he is, can he be sharp enough for Newcastle and Madrid straight after?
THE O’REILLY BLOW
As if losing Haaland wasn’t enough, City also saw Nico O’Reilly limp off at Elland Road with an ankle problem .
The kid’s been on fire lately, three goals against Fulham and Newcastle combined, bossing that midfield role with proper authority . Now he’s a doubt too.
Guardiola described it as an “ankle knock” that O’Reilly tried to play through before being forced off . City are assessing the damage, but early signs aren’t great.
THE FIXTURE RANT
Guardiola couldn’t help himself when asked about the scheduling. And honestly? You can see his point.
City play Newcastle in the FA Cup on Saturday at 8pm. Every other team in the competition kicks off at 3pm .
“Thank you so much for that time to go better to Madrid with less recovery,” he said, dripping with sarcasm.
“It’s different arriving at 7-8pm to Manchester than arriving at 1-2am. It’s different.”
Then came the kicker: “I know all the teams in the FA Cup play at 3pm, at 3pm, at 3pm. OK, we play at 8pm. Fatigue, the details make a difference.”
He’s not wrong. And with Madrid waiting on Tuesday, those lost hours of recovery could be massive.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
City’s medical team are working overtime. Haaland’s being assessed daily. O’Reilly’s having scans.
Best case? Haaland makes the bench against Forest, starts against Newcastle, and flies to Madrid full of confidence. Worst case? City face the most dangerous side in Europe without their most dangerous weapon.
Guardiola’s played down the severity. But his tone? That told a different story.
